How the Phillies Outlasted the Angels in 10 Innings
This article breaks down the Phillies' 4-2 extra-inning win over the Angels, including Cristopher Sánchez's dominant start, the Angels' offensive slump, and what the series finale could bring.
The Philadelphia Phillies took the second game of their West Coast series against the Los Angeles Angels with a 4-2 victory in 10 innings at Angel Stadium. The win extended Philadelphia's run to 12 victories in their last 14 games and dropped the Angels to a sixth straight loss.
Cristopher Sánchez carried the Phillies. The left-hander pitched seven innings, allowed two hits, struck out eight, and gave up no runs. CBS News Philadelphia reported that his season ERA fell to 2.52, and he now has 202 strikeouts. The Angels had no answer for him, which was not a surprise. According to Covers.com, they had hit just .217 with a .097 ISO against left-handed pitching in August.
The score stayed tight because Philadelphia's offense also stalled early. The game entered the eighth inning at 1-0.
Zach Neto tied it in the bottom of the eighth with his 23rd home run. The solo shot ended a 30-inning stretch without an extra-base hit for the Angels, a clear sign of how far their power had disappeared.
Neither team scored in the ninth, sending the game to extras. The 10th inning began with a mistake, as Brandon Marsh was thrown out at third. Justin Crawford then singled, and Kyle Schwarber followed with a go-ahead RBI hit. Trea Turner added a two-run single to make it 4-1.
Jhoan Duran pitched the final two innings and picked up the win. Trevor Martin took the loss, allowing two earned runs in three innings of relief. Fox Sports' box score confirms the final score and the pitching decisions. The six combined runs stayed under the 7.5 total set by oddsmakers before the game.
The Phillies entered as clear favorites, with Covers.com listing them at 69% on the moneyline and a 57% probability of covering the 1.5-run line. Their recent form backs that up. Sánchez posted a 2.12 ERA and a 2.46 xFIP over his prior month, with a strikeout rate above 30%. The Phillies also ranked third in expected weighted on-base average against right-handed pitching in August, so their offense has more than one path to scoring.
For the Angels, the loss deepens a late-season slide. Their lineup has lacked punch beyond Neto's occasional flash, and six consecutive losses have pushed them further out of contention.
The series continues Sunday. The Phillies are scheduled to start Zack Wheeler, who is 10-5 with a 3.40 ERA. The Angels will counter with lefty Yusei Kikuchi, who is 0-4 with a 6.25 ERA. If the pattern holds, Philadelphia's rotation gives it another advantage in the finale.